WESTLAKE, Ohio - As Best Buddies International commemorates its 35th anniversary, the Ohio chapter, stationed in Westlake, stands as a testament to the enduring impact of friendship and inclusivity. Best Buddies has grown significantly since its inception, reaching out to millions across the globe, fostering one-to-one friendships, and offering integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
The Ohio state director, Caitlin Skufca, in an interview with cleveland.com, shared her journey and the organization’s transformative effect throughout the state. From initiating enduring friendships to securing meaningful employment opportunities and advocating for inclusive living spaces, Best Buddies Ohio has significantly contributed to the lives of many.
Skufca’s narrative is one of passion and progress, emphasizing the organization’s role in creating a more inclusive society.
Jacob Pasternack, a manager and communications and marketing executive for Best Buddies International, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with cleveland.com, aiming “to amplify the message of inclusion and celebrate the remarkable 35-year journey of Best Buddies.”
For those seeking more information or looking to get involved, he noted, “Best Buddies offers a surplus of programs aimed at ending the social, physical and economic isolation experienced by 200 million people with IDD worldwide. These programs focus on building one-to-one friendships, providing integrated employment, fostering leadership development, and supporting inclusive living arrangements.”
The organization’s efforts underline the significance of acceptance and the positive changes that inclusivity can bring to our communities.
To learn more about Best Buddies and how you can contribute to this global movement of friendship and inclusion, visit https://www.bestbuddies.org/bbu/resources or call toll-free at 1-800-89 BUDDY (28339).
As Best Buddies Ohio celebrates this monumental anniversary, it’s clear that the organization’s commitment to inclusivity and the power of friendship continues to change lives, shaping a more compassionate world for individuals with IDD.